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There is something wonderfully atmospheric and enigmatic about empty religious spaces. Here are three such locations in various states of decay and restoration.

The Chapel Rose

Chapel Rose was built between 1290 and 1308 as a convent and hospital, occupied by the Augustinian Sisters. Around 1600 the entire complex was destroyed by fire, after which it was rebuilt. The oldest parts that have been preserved date from that period. In the 19th century the south and west wings were partially demolished and rebuilt.

The site is now being merged with a modern construction site and I worry for it's future.

The Monastery of The King

The Monastère du Roi has been on this site, in some form, since around 1120 and was originally consecrated in 1177. The abbey has undergone many changes in it's lifetime, including the pulling down and reconstruction of several chapels. It was uninhabited from 1988 - 2008, and is now being restored.

The Masonic Chapel

The chapel of a now derelict masonic school, built by the freemasons in 1903 and used as a university from 1970, the site was finally closed in 2003 and has since been gradually converted for accommodation.

The school was used as a film set during periods of it's life, with scenes from Indiana Jones and Monty Python both filmed here. Now the school is being converted into luxury flats, with plans to turn this wonderful chapel into offices.